Ecological Guidelines

EPA's Risk Assessment Guidelines were developed to help guide EPA scientists in assessing ecological risks to human health from chemicals or other agents in the environment. They also inform EPA decision makers and the general public about these procedures.

EPA published an initial set of five risk assessment guidelines (relating to cancer, mutagenic effects, developmental effects, exposure assessment, and chemical mixtures) in 1986 as recommended by the National Academy of Sciences. EPA continues to revise its risk assessment guidelines and to develop new guidelines as experience and scientific understanding evolve.